Hi! I haven't had much luck with fantasy in general, I just struggle with getting invested in high magic stories which is most of what people recommend.
I read "The Tower of Fools" by Andrzej Sapkowski recently because of its setting during the real life Hussite Wars, and really loved the in depth historical connections and characters. I didn't even really mind the magic at the beginning as the main character was mostly making talismans out of sticks from certain trees and special herbs he found in order to get something done (navigation, helping with hiding, etc). It felt rooted in the idea of witchcraft at the time without turning into just "casting spells out of my fingers" and I liked that aspect. There was also a shifter character who got his power from being a demon, which I didn't mind – I'm usually chill with religious magic.
Later on, though, the story went more into the higher fantasy direction with more overt spells and magical creatures and stuff, and I just sorta got bored and had to drop it. Does anyone have any fantasy that's more light on the magic and focuses more on folky aspects? I love especially if it dives into the mythos of a certain culture and their folk beliefs, or a (well-researched) historical period with light fantastical elements. I'm also a sucker for knights if that brings up anything.
Thanks!
by ziggystarzz
1 Comment
Brotherhood of the Wolf might be up your alley – it’s basically historical fiction set in 18th century France with just tiny supernatural elements that could almost be explained away, plus the whole thing dives deep in period politics and social stuff